Audit Initiated of NextGen Equipage Rates

Implementing the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is a complex undertaking and requires joint investments from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airspace users to realize expected benefits. There are several key NextGen technologies that require airspace users to purchase and install new avionics on their aircraft, including the Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS B). FAA has mandated that aircraft operating in most controlled domestic airspace be equipped with ADS-B Out technology by January 1, 2020. Our audit objectives are to: (1) determine the equipage rates for ADS-B and other NextGen-enabling technologies on commercial and general aviation aircraft; (2) ascertain the reasons behind aircraft operators’ decisions to equip or not equip with these technologies; and (3) assess FAA and aircraft operators’ plans to meet the 2020 ADS-B Out equipage deadline.